Ordinary Time

Pause

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

Edward Mote in “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less” (1834)

Listen

Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name throughout the earth! You made your glory higher than heaven! From the mouths of nursing babies you have laid a strong foundation because of your foes, in order to stop vengeful enemies.

Psalm 8:1-2

Think

I live next to a pond and I love it. All day long, my family and I hear the sounds of wildlife at that pond: the deep croaking of bullfrogs, the quacking of ducks, and the honking of Canada geese. We love to listen and watch as the ducks chatter with each other as they fly over our yard and splash into the pond. And I think there’s something so holy to hear geese honking as they fly in their “V” formation: they are doing exactly what they’ve been created to do. They can’t do anything different but be themselves. Their honking is praise to their Creator.

I feel the same way about my kids’ laughter: it’s the best sound in the world — so holy, innocent, and joyful. They’re being exactly who they were created to be. Their laughter and giggles are praise to their Creator.

God’s name is majestic. Even birds and frogs and children praise God’s name. The Psalmist says that even the praise from mere babies can stop God’s enemies! Wow! God, you are creative and majestic!

Erin Spengeman Hutchison

Pray

Majestic God, you have made me to be me. I’m one of a kind. Help me to stand tall, celebrate myself, and praise your name. Amen.

Go

There will be winds that blow against you, like storms against a lighthouse.

But go, knowing that the very Spirit of God is within you, stirring you to be brave, love always, and stand firm in God’s grace.